Cure Athlete's Foot
DISCLAIMER
Our readers offer information and opinions on Earth Clinic, not as a substitute for professional medical prevention, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult with your physician, pharmacist, or health care provider before taking any home remedies or supplements or following any treatment suggested by anyone on this site. Only your health care provider, personal physician, or pharmacist can provide you with advice on what is safe and effective for your unique needs or diagnose your particular medical history.
POPULAR REMEDIES:
| APPLE CIDER VINEGAR | 29 YEAS |
| URINE | 8 YEAS |
ALCOHOL
09/17/2011: Jay from Orlando, Fl writes: "I FINALLY, after years of searching, found a cure for tinea pedis(Athletes foot). It is Isopropyl Alcohol 91% strength. I found it in the Pharmacy Section.
The 70% alcohol was ineffective and did nothing to kill the fungus.
I am so happy that I found something that actually works! For the disabled, one can purchase a spray nozzle and spray the alcohol on the feet from a distance without having to bend over."
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ALUM
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[QUESTION] 07/29/2009: Denise from Austin, AR writes: "I have had problems with athlete's foot since I was a teenager. Now my teenage son has become bothered by it. I was told by an old friend that if I were to sprinkle a little bit of old fashioned cooking alum into his and my shoes and a little in our socks that it would take care of the athlete's foot and actually make his feet odorless. She (the friend) said that the alum closes the pores which prevents the feet from sweating, stopping the odor, and also the athlete's foot. I was told about this probably about ten years or so ago but have been reluctant to try it because it just doesn't sound like a healthy option. I'm certainly not going to try it on my child without knowing what repercussions will be as a result. Has this ever been suggested before?"
Replies12/17/2009: D from Private, Australia replies: "Hi there, there's actually a product you can buy in shops that does exactly what you are asking, not sure what its called in america, but here in australia it has to do with odour eaters... Its a type of talcum powder"
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ANTI-FUNGAL SUPPLEMENTS
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[YEA] 07/27/2008: Jonna from NYC, NY, USA writes: "1:30am, Saturday Night: I read AC from West Midlands, England's post about using Garlic for Athlete's foot a few days ago and was eager to try it. I have had athlete's foot on and off for years. I also have deeply etched cracked heals which I understand is possibly a fungal infection. And then recently the skin around my right big toe started to peel and looks nasty as can be. I tried the best OTC for Athlete's Foot, but with limited success. Takes 5 days to go away and then comes back a couple weeks later.
We had just run out of garlic, so I opted instead for another powerful anti-fungal, Wild Oil of Oregano. I use OO for coughs and sinus infections and had about 15 capsules left. Before going to sleep, I punctured a capsule of oil and rubbed it over both of my feet, especially concentrating it on my big toe, in between my toes where the athelete's foot itched and the cracks on my heals. I put socks on so the oil wouldn't get all over the sheets. It doesn't smell bad at all -- much better than garlic for sure!
Just like AC reported, there was dramatic improvement by the morning! The infection around my big toe was 50% better... The blisters in between my toes had disappeared. The cracks in my heals have started to seal and are unbelievably soft... (I had been rubbing shea butter on the cracks every night, which helped, but not to this extent).
I did the Oregano oil 3 morning and night for 2 days, took a day off. The infection around my big toe is all but gone. No more peeling skin. The cracks on my heels continue to slowly improve. Tonight I switched to Grapefruit Seed Extract and my feet, normally cold, warmed up right away. This may be a great remedy for those suffering from cold hands and feet. My feet are still tinglingly warm 2 hours after applying the GSE.
I have the feeling that the GSE will work just as well as the Oregano Oil. I also am trying the GSE on my perioral dermatitis and will report back any improvements. I can tell you that the itchy postules around my nose have disappeared. I had to wash off the GSE after about 20 minutes because it started to burn."
Replies07/28/2008: Joyce from Joelton, Tn replies: "To Jonna from NYC: Hello Jonna, I can't see your perioral rash but please be advised that a rash or cracks mostly in the corners of the mouth are an indication that you have vitamin/mineral deficiencies. White spots on your fingernails can indicate a zinc deficit. Also, many find that zinc supplements lessens or ends acne problems."
09/02/2008: Lorinda from Hamburg, NY replies: "I just read to feed about Oil of Oregano for athlete's foot and I'm trying it tonight. I have sore, cracked feet and there is a red "moccasin" line around the side of the feet. They are SO VERY PAINFUL. I will try anything at this point. I also have it started on the palms of my hand (itchy and hard skin cracking where the lines of my palm are)along with that I have some "fungus" on the pads of my thumbs where the skin peels and cracks I'm hoping for healing with this.
Thanks"
[YEA] 12/28/2008: Ameer from Barcelona, Spain replies: "OREGONO OILS IS GREAT, KEEP USING IT. iF YOU LIKE DO A COMBINATION TREATMENT. THE KEY IS DO NOT WEAR SOCKS. IT WILL GO AWAY FASTER IF IT IS AIRED OUT. FUNGUS GROWS IN WARM DAMP PLACES. THE BEST WAY TO GET RID OF ATHELETES FOOT IS TO BUY OPEN TOED SANDALS AND WEAR THEM UNTIL THE FUNGUS IS GONE. THIS IS DIFFICULT TO DO IN THE SUMMER TIME. IF IT IS REALLY COLD IN YOUR COUNTRY THEN MAKE SURE YOU TAKE OFF YOUR SHOES AND SOCKS AS SOON AS YOU GET HOME. ALSO IF YOU ARE GOING TO AN EVENT OR PARTY OR WILL BE AT A PLACE FOR A LONG PERIOD OF TIME PUT ON THE OREGONO OIL WITH FOOT POWDER AND SALT IN BETWEEN THE TOES TO KEEP IT AS DRY AS POSSIBLE. TAKE A PAIR OF SANDALS WITH YOU AND CHANGE INTO THEM IN THE BATHROOM WHEN YOU ARE IN FROM THE COLD. IF IT IS WARM JUST WEAR SANDALS TILL THEY ARE GONE. THEY PROFESSIONAL LOOKING SANDALS IF YOU HAVE TO WORK IN A PROFESSIONAL ATMOSPHERE. IT ONLY TAKES A MINUTE FOR THIS DISCUSTING PARASITE TO GROW BACK."
[YEA] 11/28/2011: Hbbrazil from Vancouver, Washington, United States replies: "I just want to thank everyone here for recommending ACV for Athelete's foot. After MANY years of using Lotrimin and other types of of over the counter remedies, this technique worked hands down.I thought I had a severe case, but from looking at images on line, I'd say mine was low. I did have cracked and open skin, always moist, nothing seemed to work. I did the full ACV (straight no dilution) for three days straight and the symptoms went away within two days. I also, soaked my flip flops in ACV for 45 minues and soaked some socks, just in case, then washed them normally. The shoes I'm wearing don't have good ventilation, however, using ACV in the morning works. Now that I did the treatment for 3 straight days, I do a spot check every day, use a cotton ball to get in between the toes. I can say that Athelete's foot is gone.
Thank you to all and for sharing your experiences. I'm a true believer in ACV.
H"
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APPLE CIDER VINEGAR
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01/15/2012: Concerned Mom from Clinton, Iowa writes: "How bad is the sting with ACV? I have tried several times getting my 3 yr old to soak his foot for his bad case of athletes foot and he screams it hurts. I did 1/4 ACV and 3/4 water and he still cries. Vicks seemed to help it the most but it is still spreading on the sole of his foot."
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[YEA] 11/21/2011: Sharky from Pacoima, California writes: "I too have had this Problem for about 2 months.
Before I tried the A.C.V my foot was scaly and the fisrt layer of skin was completely off from the toes to the middle of the bottom foot it also got really swelled up I could not walk very painful. I was trying all the O.T.C medicine but it did not work my foot was completly soaked with wetness and a gooey type wetness I gauzed up my feet but it still leaked through I was wearing sandals because my foot inside a show would get too wet and skin would just keep falling off my foot it was red and swollen I seen this article about A.C.V so I went to the store and purchased a gallon for 5 bucks at Ralphs I inserted the foot in complete A.C.V just to get the entire foot submerged mind it is going to be painful to do this but you have to once the burning and stinging stops soak in a 50/50 water and A.C.V and soak for 30 min you can put the remainder of what A.C.V is in the foot tub just add water it will continue to burn my foot was like it was on fire it did not stop burning for 30 min so in reality a foot dunk in complete A.C V then a 50/50 soak which can be a total of 45 min do it at night and wrap your foot in a dry towel overnight, soak again the next morning before you shower then I used Vaseline and Aquafor you can get these at Target it keeps your feet lubricated and from drying which can be painful to walk.
I did this for 5 days and my foot came back to normal all the skin fell off that was dried and cracked and the skin came back fine a new skin layer was completly there in about a week but keep on using it till you have no more athletes foot- it's the best thing I am glad I read this website its wonderful to walk in shoes again but be careful- it can come back as it did to me on one toe but A.C.V nipped that it the but real quick so I hope this helps anyone out there suffering from this ailment A.C.V is the truth
Thank you, Sharky"
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10/04/2011: Dorothy from Watonga, Ok writes: "I have athletes foot on one foot, it has never spread but have had it for years nothing has worked. Want to try the Apple Cider Vinegar soak but really dumb question here. For those of you who soak in it every night do you use a new solution each time or save the apple cider vinegar and use it over several times? Just wondering if I have to buy gallons upon gallons or just a couple? Also, I will throw out my socks but someone said put shoes in the freezer. Will this really work?
Thanks, love this site"
Replies[YEA] 11/30/2011: Liz from Indianapolis, Indiana replies: "Re: ACV for althete's foot, I used a spray bottle of undiluted ACV from the regular grocery store 3-4 times a day and had complete relief of the cracking and peeling skin within a week. It's now 4 months later and the skin of my foot is still perfectly clear.
Unfortunately, the ACV did not help with my toenails. It also did not help the red cracked and peeling skin behind my ear. Still hoping for a solution as simple and fast for those as the ACV was for the skin of my foot."
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07/29/2011: Mr. Squeak Feet from Eugene, Oregon writes: "Hello, and thanks all for contributing your experience to growing our "common sense" cures. I am posting several huge YEAs for Apple Cider Vinegar in several categories. The first is that ACV cured my bad case of total-foot fungus really really quickly. I simply soaked my feet for about 30 minutes in straight ACV for a few days. First day stung like mad, but nearly cleared it all up. Next morning, my feet looked remarkably better. Second soak even better. Third soak was the charm. A week later, my feet got wet (rains like crazy in the winter here in Oregon), and I worked wearing wet shoes for about 5 hours, and soon foot fungus came back. I'm usually a smart guy, but still just didn't put one and one together that shoes and socks could be helping to re-infect my feet with fungus... ACV worked again. This time I also soaked all my socks, sandals, and tennis shoes in ACV. I also have a little spray bottle of straight ACV that I mist in my shoes after I take them off. It's been a couple months, no issues at all. Thanks Earth Clinic community!"
Replies11/16/2011: Vivienne from Bsb, Brunei replies: "I started using ACV 2 days ago. Today is the 3rd day in the morning. I look at the rashes and it looks redder than usual. Tho it feels less itchy. Is it suppose to be like that? I've been using 4 different creams before and none of them works. I tried Lamisil for 3 days, and then I found about ACV so I stopped using it instantly and try ACV instead. Lol. I soaked my foot in a 50% warm water and 50% ACV, once a day every night before bed. So is it normal that the wounds are redder? I badly want this to work cause I've been having this for almost 6 months now. I can't walk properly since the main rash is on the bottom of my foot. The others are on the bottom of each toes. ALL of them."
11/17/2011: Jello from Toronto, Ontario, Canada replies: "I tried ACV as well after reading the notes here and my foot seems to be more red as well. Is this a part of the healing process or is it getting worse? Has anyone tried both ACV and lamisil at different times in the day?Thanks so much - this site is very helpful."
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[YEA] 07/17/2011: Bonnie from Campton, Ky writes: "My feet had been giving me a great deal of pain for a long time. I used the ACV for about 2 months and my feet are no longer itching, cracking, bleeding and no more blisters. I have had it for about 20 years. I threw all of my old shoes away. I soak them for 30 min. a day in ACV that you can buy at the dollar store by the gallon. Also I use vaseline on my feet at night to keep them from being dry. I am so thankful for this site!!!!"
Replies07/18/2011: Francisca from Michelbach-le-bas, Alsace, France replies: "Bonnie, for problems with cracked feet, especially heel, I would advise you try calendula cream. I don't have as many problems as you have but any time my heals are a bit cracked I use this cream and in a day or so my feet feel like a baby's bottom! Also good for the elbows and for the skin generally, even your face!"
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[BETTER BUT NOT CURED] 04/06/2011: Mary from Preston, Lancashire, United Kingdom writes: "After reading the comments on this site, I tried apple cider vinegar (with the mother in it) as a soak to cure my moccasin athlete's foot. Basically, after 4 months of use, it was better but definitely not cured. I had the moccasin athlete's foot on both feet and one hand and had been unable to shift it, (in spite of frequent trips to the doctor), for 5 years.
In its favour, the apple cider vinegar did a lot more for me than the steroid creams my doctor prescribed and was also better than the OTC anti-fungal drugs. It did make my skin softer and helped heal some of the painful cracking. However, it could not kill the fungus. I suspect that this is because moccasin athlete's foot is extremely difficult to deal with once it gets hold and perhaps if I had used ACV years ago, before the moccasin athlete's foot became chronic, it might have worked.
For anyone wondering whether I managed to cure it some other way, the answer is yes, but not at home. In the end I was so desperate that I went to a traditional chinese herbalist who gave me a pile of herbs (many of which looked like fungus, bark and mushrooms) to boil up every night as a foot/hand soak. I was pretty skeptical but amazingly it worked within a week and I'm so happy! It wasn't as cheap as ACV, two consultations plus the herbs cost me around £80 (GBP), but for me it was worth it.
In conclusion, if you've got a really bad case of moccasin type athlete's foot, my experience has been that apple cider vinegar will soothe it - maybe even halt its development - but it won't give you a complete cure."
Replies[BETTER BUT NOT CURED] 04/28/2011: Miniapple from Minneapolis, Mn replies: "I just pick some inter digit type between my left pinky. 1 day before they were to do the yearly deep clean of the health club. Apple CV came to mind and ive been dumping it on the dried area. Burns like I hoped it would, dries up, keep symptoms reduced. It seems to be an aggressive form, Slighly swollen/puffy top front area, blistered and peeled in 1 day. Im counting on ACV and some foot powder for my shoes/socks. Helps for sure, burns but keeps the area clean and dry. Will this go away? Tnx"
[YEA] 06/05/2011: Chuck from Ventura, Ca replies: "ACV is healing my atheletes foot. I had it on the bottom of both feet and on my leg. I used OTC spray, cream, and powder to no avail. The doctor gave me anti-fungal cream, still no help. After reading these posts I soak my feet in ACV for 30 minutes each night and has done more in two months than the others did in 5 months. It is gone on one foot, and only one little spot left on the other. I get the generic ACV from Smart & Final for a little over 3 bucks a gallon. I warm it up so it is more comfortable and it seems to work better when warm."
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[BETTER BUT NOT CURED] 01/04/2011: Barb from Julian, Pa, Usa writes: "I have been using this for weeks and have begun to see an improvement. I believe mine is the moccasin type, as I had large blisters on the bottom of my feet and along the sides of my feet. Unfortunately it has spread to my leg, and I now have crusty scales on that leg. No matter what I do, they just keep coming back and it is not improving at all on my leg. My foot and leg are so swollen, that it is difficult to wear shoes. Nothing my doctor gave me has helped, and I don't see a dermatologist for another month. Any suggestions as to how I can get some of the swelling down in my foot and leg?"
Replies01/09/2011: Tiffany from Conway, Ar replies: "I would suggest to elevate your foot on a regular basis, above the level of your heart any time you're not walking. Try putting alum or talc powder in your sock (tall tube sock) before putting it on, then wrap your foot and leg in an ACE bandage to apply compression. Elevate the foot and wrap an ice pack around it. Do this as often as possible (2-3 times per day minimum)."
03/21/2011: Justtryingtohelp from Washington, Dc, Usa replies: "To take away the swelling, you can do two things. One you can either eat cherries from the jar or drink the cherry juice (you will see an improvement). Two, you can make a paste of cornmeal and vinegar, and paste it all the swolen area, let it harden, rinse or peel off. Hope this helps! "
[YEA] 04/15/2011: Gord from Markham, Ontario, Canada replies: "buy a box of borax powder. (available in your local grocer detergent aisle). Pour it in a bowl large enough for your foot. Wash and thoroughly dry your foot and bury your foot in the borax.... While you watch tv etc... For at least an hour a day, replacing the borax daily. Wash a dry your feet after soak, you can also sprinkle some borax in your socks, slipper etc... To help absorb sweat... Did wonders for me when a specialist and his "magic steroid cremes" did nothing."
[BETTER BUT NOT CURED] 05/27/2011: Happyfeet from Mayberry, Usa replies: "FirstThanks to ALL the members who have contributed to this thread!
SECOND:
My Moccasin Heel Athletes feet have shown MORE improvement in one week using ACV than all the other endless professional treatments in the last three years."
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[YEA] 11/18/2010: Jeannine from Denver, Co, Usa writes: "I had a bad case of athlete's foot on my left foot that plagued me for well over a year. I wanted to try a natural remedy, and I found this site and used a combination of ACV (swabbed on with a cotton ball) followed by tea tree oil. This worked somewhat, but did not cure it. What finally got rid of it once and for all was soaking my foot in straight ACV for 10-20 minutes. The trick for me, I think, was that I needed to leave it soaking in the vinegar until it started to burn and itch. That's when I knew that it was working, it felt like the fungus was being killed off. After I did this, the next day I saw a big improvement, plus I found small white blisters. I did this once a day for about a week, and it completely went away. It has been about 6 months now, and it is still gone. I hope this testimony helps someone else out!"
Replies[YEA] 12/19/2010: Eric from Ann Arbor, United States replies: "I am a PhD student at the University of Michigan earning my degree in a very empirical field. I tried almost 2 dozen expensive and doctor prescribed products for my case of athletes foot - which I've had for about 7 years - and nothing worked.I finally tried something more "natural" and I must say that ACV has been an absolute (dare I say) miracle! I soaked my feet in a small tub that was 50% ACV 50% water every morning and night (20 mins each session and longer if possible). My athletes foot is completely gone after staying with this regime for 2 weeks. I had lost hope because it wasn't working the first week, but sticking with it payed handsome dividends. I'm going to look up some other things on this website now and must say that I'm slowly becoming a believer in both science and these more "natural" remedies. Thank you all previous posters! "
02/15/2011: Kyle from B_town, Mn replies: "There is no cure to bad foot other then prevention. IF you do get it I swear on my life that ACV and Tea Tree Oil will calm it down. When my whole body shakes cause it itches so bad I soak it 50 percent water and 50 percent ACV for 15 to 20 mins on both feet. Even if its on one toe or foot both, add the other so it prevents it. Trust me it wont spread to the other foot."
[YEA] 06/08/2011: L from Whitefish, Mt replies: "Apple Cider Vinegar for Athlete's Foot.My husband had suffered for years (he's 48) with horrible, deep cracks in his heels, as well as between his toes. He had to be on his feet all day, so it was very hard on him. We have only been married for 6 months, and I was shocked when I first saw his feet. Anyway, I convinced him to try soaking in ACV, used undiluted. The first time it stung, but he did it anyway as he was desperate for relief. By the third day, all cracks between his toes gone, and he was pain free. After one week, he said his feet felt slippery in his socks, they were so smooth. He said he can't remember when his feet have felt so good. Now, he also gets terrible cracks in his fingers from working outside - he goes through boxes of bandaids. He hasn't wanted to try the ACV yet, as it will hurt at least the first time. If I can get him to do it, I will post the results!"
[YEA] 06/20/2011: Sonya from Melbourne, Fl, Usa replies: "This completely cured my boyfriend's horrible athlete's foot. He had been using OTC creme for over a year and it did noting. He was itching all the time and his foot looked awful. I finally got sick of it and insisted he soak in a solution of ACV and a little water every night for 20-30 min. After about 1 1/2 weeks the fungus is gone and no more itching! Highly recommended!"
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[YEA] 08/18/2010: Stephen from Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan writes: "Remedy: Apple Cider Vinegar
Usage: 1Day/1Time/2Weeks for 30Minutes before bed
Cured: Yes
Ok this my sound a little harsh to some, but sometime the truth hurts. 99. 9 percent of all athletes foot can be prevented by one simple step. WASH YOUR FEET EVERYDAY!! I myself sometimes neglected my feet (and don't say you haven't) during quick showers not to mention military days when there were no "Hollywood showers" allowed. Well I don't want to place all the blame on the military, but I was in boots more than out of them during my tour. I didn't even have athletes foot til I got out of the military. WTF. ;o;
Well it was worst on my left foot between my little (weewee)piggy and my starved piggy. Cracking, itching, peeling, etc. Never spread though. Thank God. I tried it all. Bought all the fix it quicks online, the crap from the doctors office, and online healing BS. Then I found this site and read each and everyone of your reviews. I thought what the hell. Let me give it a try. I went to Costco and bought boxes of ACV. The first week I used the stuff straight outta the bottle covering both feet 20 minutes a night. The first treatment was already mind blowing. The next morning I looked at my feet and the redness was almost gone. After the first week I could see not signs of the fungus. I then started diluting the ACV into water at a 2 to 1 ration. The smaller being water. Continued for another week and I think I am cured. I am washing my feet like crazy everyday just to be extra safe. I can tell you I now am not embarrassed when the ladies come over and can take of my socks without worrying about my feet. Damn!! I got beautiful feet again. The only downside to the ACV (and I think this was already said) but it does dry the hell out of your feet. Better dry than moist I guess. THANK YOU EARTHCLINIC for putting up this site and allowing me to find a cure for the devils fungus. If you have not experienced athletes foot then good for you, but you best never neglect your feet or Mr. Fungi might come a knocking. Use the Apple Cider Vinegar!! I am telling it works. Just don't half ass the remedy though. Stick to it every day until you kill those little critters eating away at your feet."
08/31/2010: Kenny from Alfred, New York, Usa replies: "Is there truly a positive difference between Apple Cider Vinegar and white vinegar? I've been suffering from the moccasin type for 8 months."
[BETTER BUT NOT CURED] 09/01/2010: Ken from Alfred, New York Usa replies: "I acknowledge the success of Stephen from Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan, BUT he suffered from inter-digit type. It's short-lived. I am suffering from "moccasin" type known as Trichophyton rubrum, which is long-lasting and very difficult to treat. I've had this 8 months now with ups-downs. Vinegar soak helps but seems to have put the infection in a hibernation like state. Tolerable but not cured."
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[YEA] 07/19/2010: Chris from Atlanta, Ga writes: "I tried soaking my feet in apple cider vinegar straight out of the bottle, straight off the shelf of the grocery store (Heinz), and after battling athletes foot for over 20 years, I am free of this pest finally. Soaking lasted for about 30 minutes a day for a week. After the first day, I noticed an improvement as did my wife. Each day showed a bit of a difference, and I decided after a week to stop. By the middle of the next week, my feet showed NO SIGNS whatsoever of mocassin athletes foot. No peeling, no redness, no cracked skin, no pustules, nothing. That was four months ago and I have since maintained the same active lifestyle (running, tennis, hiking) and have not had one flare-up. In fact, my only concern is that my feet are often very dry. Works out nice, actually, as the wife lotions them up and nothing beats a foot massage with lotion =)
If you have your doubts, try it. I didn't use organic or some other over-priced product. Give it a shot. A $5 bottle of vinegar and a week's worth of your time is worth it for almost anything, much less a chance to get rid of AF."
07/31/2010: Matt from Santo Domingo, Costa Rica replies: "Since moving to Costa Rica 4 years ago, I have had severe athletes foot. I don't know why, but only my left foot has it(never my right foot). It is present in between the toes and along the sides of my toes. OTC solutions have not worked and are kind of expensive. My big toe and little toe nails have turned a dirty looking yellow(the 3 center toes are normal). The nails are brittle and distorted and twice as thick as normal nails. The quick underneath seems to be eaten up and now there is a space between my nail and toes. Today I am starting the Apple Cider Vinegar treatment(40% water/60% APC), 25 minutes/twice a day. I am also going to use baking soda in my shoes and maybe try cayenne pepper in my socks. Should I leave the Apple Cider Vinegar on my feet without rinsing, and then put my socks and shoes on, or should I rinse my feet off with water after each Apple Cider Vinegar treatment?"
08/18/2010: Stephen from Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan replies: "This works people. Garlic does work in the beginning, but it won't cure your feet like the Apple Cider Vinegar will. Warning!! Your feet may actually become dry using ACV. Mine did, but it is way better than damp feet. If your feet get too dry you can always rub a little foot lotion on your feet, but if you do, DO NOT put socks over your feet that you just put lotion on."
08/18/2010: Stephen from Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan replies: "Matt, you can rinse you feet if you want, but don't wear socks unless your feet are dry. What I did, and what I forgot to add in my yea post was that at night, after soaking my feet, I left the vinegar to dry and then put my feet in plastic baggies with rubber bands to hold the baggies in place. I rinsed my feet in the morning, dried really well and wore sandals for the day. Also throw away all socks and buy new ones. Put your shoes in plastic bags, seal the bags and stick in the freezer over night. The fungi can survive the washing machine and stay in your socks. No joke!! Good luck!"
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[BETTER BUT NOT CURED] 05/27/2010: Mn from West Midlands, England writes: "About two years ago, I tried taking ACV to cure my athlete's foot. It didn't work at all! I tried everything but it wouldn't go away.
Then about a month ago, after being off of ACV for a half a year or so, I started taking it again for allergies. Looking at my feet at the end of the week when I took a bath, I noticed about 50% of my athlete's foot had disappeared. I have no idea why it didn't work the first time. I hadn't changed my diet much except I had less processed foods.
Anyone wanting to cure Athlete's Foot should give ACV another try."
[YEA] 04/17/2011: Amy from Atlanta, Georgia replies: "Also, essential oil of lavendar, used undiluted has worked wonders for me. I "contracted" athletes's foot while vacationing at a hot springs resort. Much like a public swimming pool, it would be ahrd to avoid. I have never had it before and when it started to develop I had no idea what it was. By the time I realized it was athlete's foot, it was well underway on my two outside toes. I tried tea tree, acv, oil of oregano. none of it seemed to worked and the Apple Cider Vinegar and oregano stung.I am not sure how I heard of lavendar oil, but I used it undiluted (just drizzle some over the affected area) and in 2 days the skin was smooth and healed. I plan to use lavendar oil as a preventative when I think I could have come in to contact with the athlete foot fungus. I have learned since that lavendar is a great antifungal. Additonally, wiping out your shoes and washing socks in lavendar oil probably wouldn't hurt as it would likely help break the fungal cycle. Lastly, I also dosed myself pretty heavily (internally) with colloidal silver solution a few days after the athlete's foot started to clear up. I thought I was getting a cold and cs works wonders. I bet spraying cs on the foot would also be very helpful."
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[YEA] 10/28/2009: Marian from Tasmania, Australia writes: "Hi all, I read on your site (I think) that bathing feet in cider vinegar for a minimum of 6 weeks would cure athletes foot. I have had this condition since a teenager, I'm now 58. Usually didn't notice it too much in winter when I was wearing shoes but each summer my heels would crack and give me grief. So I was constantly putting healing cream on with band-aids and this went on all summer. This year it started in the winter, and I noticed that my feet were peeling also. So I quite religiously rubbed organic cider vinegar on my feet each night, and dried them off in front of the fire, an evening ritual before bed. My feet are now completely clear of peeling and splitting and feel so good. I have yet to go through the summer so am hopeful that it continues, if not I will just keep on with the bathing each night. Also started oil pulling about the same time, seseme, sunflower and coconut, it really cleared my sinus problems and I am continuing every second day. Thanks for your great site, I love the empowering vibe, its so hopeful and comforting to see us reclaiming our health from the "sickness industry".
love marian"
08/21/2011: No Lie from Atl, Ga replies: "try vick vapor rub it should do the trick"
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[YEA] 07/27/2009: Cheryl from Gainesville, Florida writes: "Apple Cider Vinegar used to cure my moccasin type athlete's foot.
I just want to say THANK YOU!!!!!! I have had the moccasin type of athlete's foot for over a year and it was so PAINFUL! I went to the doctor and tried EVERYTHING! I was spending about $60.00 a week purchasing anti-fungal treatments and followed all the directions to the tee. I was doing anything possible to get rid of this because I'm a diabetic and I was afraid of my feet becoming infected from the athlete's foot. They would crack and bleed, some mornings it was extremely difficult to even walk because they hurt so bad. I kept buying the anti-fungal treatments because I was trying to cure it and trying to prevent it's spread to my toenails.
Out of desperation I did a Google search on home remedies for athlete's foot.....I didn't have much hope, I was just hoping for something to help ease the pain....I thought I would have to live with this for the rest of my life. I read about the Apple Cider Vinegar and I read all the comments and decided to give it a try. WOW!!! Within a week the open wounds were healing. At that point I was only applying the apple cider vinegar with a cotton ball. My husband was so excited about the improvement that he went out and bought a couple of gallon jugs of the stuff so I could soak my feet in it. I have been soaking each foot in it full strength for 30 minutes each for about 3 weeks now and it's almost GONE! It stung a lot at first, but that was because of the open wounds....now the fungus is clearing up and it even makes my feet soft and healthy!!!
Thank you sooooo much! This site saved me from a lot of pain and discomfort! The apple cider vinegar really works!"
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[YEA] 07/22/2009: TimeSpirit from North Jersey, NJ writes: "I've had hideous toe and foot fungus for many years. I've tried a lot of OTC medicine and never had much relief. It's hard to believe but, I just used ACV ONCE and I saw an improvement. I was stunned. I took suggestions from other posts and sprinkled some cayenne pepper onto my feet and toes and put on clean socks. Can't tell if it's working or not but, the cayenne feels pretty nice, just like a soft foot powder. I'll update in a week after the treatment has some time to work. Thanks to all who post here. I really appreciate all the helpful remedies."
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07/19/2009: Yvonne from Apex, NC writes: "My son got athelete's foot. I took him to the doctor and was given a prescription - did not get rid of it. Back to the doc. This time is kind of went away, but came back. This went on for about a year. I threw away his shoes, sox, etc. Finally I heard of apple cider vinegar. I had him soak his feet in a solution of 4 parts water to 1 part vinegar for about 15-30 every night for a week. This time is went away and did not return."
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[QUESTION] 06/21/2009: Patrick from Pine Brook, New Jersey writes: "I currently have 'mocassin-type' athlete's feet. It comes around every year as the season changes and the weather gets warmer. This year it is worst than last year, so back to the Podiatrist I went. Following prescription Loprox gel, and OTC lotions, cremes and powders, I'm finding nothing is working, not even the Loprox gel. So a friend recommended Oil of Oregano capsules and Olive Leaf capsules since both have high Antifungal properties, but I read about Apple Cider Vinegar soaks. Is it best to buy the Organic, unfiltered "health food shop" type of ACV??"
Replies[YEA] 06/21/2009: Janice from Wilmington, NC replies: "Hi Patrick. No, you definitely don't need the expensive brand of apple cider vinegar for athlete's foot. I got my AF cured (killed?) in 2 days by soaking my toes for half an hour in the generic brand of acv from the grocery store."
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04/03/2009: Beverley from Leeds, Yorkshire, UK writes: "I've been reading the posts about apple cider vinegar and I have to say that I think whether or not it works may depnd on what type of athlete's foot you've got. For example, I've seen it work really well for people with toe-web athlete's foot, (the kind that infects the area around the toes), but I have Moccasin-type athlete's foot (which infects the soles of your feet and sometimes spreads to your hands), and ACV has no impact on it at all. I have also tried tea tree oil, and that doesn't appear to cure moccasin athlete's foor either. I've had it for about 4 years now and unfortunately, my overall experience has been that moccasin athlete's foot is much harder to cure and often dosn't respond to the home remedies you read about online. Also, while over the counter medicines can controll it - they don't seem able to cure it - I've tried all the brands I can find of creams, sprays and talcs. None helped.
My conclusion about Moccasin-type athlete's foot is that once it is severe, (i.e. when it has spread over most of the sole of one or both feet), you need prescription medication to cure it. Apparently, this is beacuse of the thickness of the skin on the soles of the feet (creams, oils etc won't penetrate it). I wish I was wrong, as I do prefer home remedies - but for moccasin athlete's foot my experience has been that a trip to the doctor really is necessary."
04/04/2009: Shaun from York, UK replies: "Try soaking your feet in a household ammonia solution (50/50 ammonia and water) for a while. Works a treat for me."
[YEA] 04/26/2009: Beverley from Leeds, Yorkshire replies: "Thanks for the reply, Shaun, but I won't be needing to try the ammonia after all - because I have changed my mind about apple cider vinegar - it really does work and I'm so happy! I'm guessing, but I the reason it didn't cure the moccasin athlete's foot I suffer with sooner, is because I wasn't soaking my feet in a strong enough solution. In the past, I had mixed a foot soak of about half ACV and half water, and although it dried my skin out, it didn't have much effect on the fungus. Recently, I thought I'd have one last try and I started soaking my feet once a day in neat apple cider viniger - no water at all. It stung a lot, probably because the athlete's foot had really damaged my skin in places, but I stuck with it, and wow - the skin has started to repair itself and the athlete's foot has nearly disappeared. I am amazed! And so so so pleased! I've stuggled for years with this and I can't believe I'll be able to wear sandals this summer without feeling embarrassed about my feet."
EC: Hi, Beverley. Thanks for the update! We're removing the NAY rating from your first post and adding YEA here.
05/14/2009: J-Rod from Houston, TX replies: "Hi, I just read some of these feedbacks and was wondering what could help my husbands stinky shoes? My husband has athletes foot really bad. I mean I hated washing his nasty yellow crusty hard socks. I want to try this beacuse I've tried everything over the counter and his parents have bought him some package they saw on t.v. It worked but it had too many steps and of course he has to go to work. So if we try this do you think the smell in his shoes will go away as well?"
05/15/2009: Linda from St. Paul, MN replies: "Just put some baking soda in the shoes & leave it in. I started doing this when my kids were young and it works!"
05/16/2009: Missymichigan from Temperance, Michigan replies: "Here's how to penetrate the thick skin of the soles of your feet - I use a foot calus remover - it looks like a cheese grater, only made for feet. Once you are out of the shower and your skin and callouses are soft, just use the devise (found in most retail stores) to remove all calous areas of your foot, then try the home remedies. For fast removal of calouses, I use an electric Dremel tool found in most hardware stores with the round sand paper disc on it - it will clear up all of your callouses in 10 minutes or less but be careful to to put the speed too high. I got this idea from my podietrist who removed all of my calouses with one in her office! Good luck! Your feet will thank you!"
09/01/2009: Alyssa from Austin, Texas replies: "One way to prevent stinky feet... Wear socks with a higher content of natural materials. Dress socks generally have high levels of nylon and run-of-the-mill white cotton socks are usually only about 75% cotton. Aim for at least 80% cotton, and when doing the laundry, add about a half cup of white vinegar to the wash cycle. Your socks should come out squeaky-clean, smelling great, and ready to absorb any sweat. Additionally, rotating your shoes works wonders... Try not to wear the same pair of shoes two days consecutively, giving each a day to air out."
09/01/2009: Ethna from Dundalk, Co Louth. Ireland replies: "Massage a small amount of Frankinsense essential oil on your feet. There will be no foot odour for approximately 6 months."
11/28/2009: Chas from Denver, Co replies: "Warning: About using a dremel or other kind of power grinder or sander, such as a pet nail trimmer -- only do this when wearing a surgical mask and eye protection. Otherwise, the airborne pathogens can spread the problem to places where you truly do not want the issue, and where your physician may have a very difficult time helping you!"
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[YEA] 03/12/2009: Char from Los Alamitos, CA, USA writes: "Organic apple cider vinegar cure worked wonders in 3 days, redness decreased on bottom of foot, skin appears to have returned to normal in area where it had peeled off, blisters decreasing in size and almost dried up. I also used the coconut oil to keep the skin soft. Can't thank you enough!!!!!!!"
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[YEA] 02/20/2009: Bethany from Westminster, CA writes: "My husband had a severe case of athletes foot, and his skin would crack from how think and hard it was. We tried every cream, spray and powder out there, it helped with the smell but that was it. My sister told me about raw organic unfiltered apple cider vinegar and that it would kill the fungus. I figured we would give it a shot, and after the first night there was an improvement, and when he came home from work the smell was gone! So we kept on it soaking his feet in it for 15 mins a night after he got home from work and took a shower. after 2 weeks of this no more athletes foot, he now has soft normal skin on the bottom of his feet and they dont stink!!! give it a shot it is an amazing cure for athletes foot!!"
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[YEA] 01/21/2009: Lesley from Hervey Bay, Australia writes: "I have used ACV to successfully treat Athlete's Foot. Just soak cotton balls in the vinegar and apply often to the affected toes. Do this twice a day for 2 to 3 days and the problem will vanish. Try to keep your toes dry as reinfection is common with this ailment. I have also used ACV for itchiness in my ears. Just pour it in as best as you can and massage to let the vinegar get right down into the ear. This fully healed my ear itchiness that I had suffered for years."
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[YEA] 12/23/2008: Kira from Saratoga, NY writes: "I don't even need to soak my feet in Apple Cider vinegar (ACV), just wet a cotton ball with ACV and run over feet.
Be careful, it can really burn raw spots!
After the ACV dries, it feels so good to massage a little coconut oil on my feet (anti-fungal and moisturizing).
I find my biggest problem is I wear socks all the time and when they get moist, the intense itching begins.
My b/f did find when he wears cheap socks (like I do) his athlete's foot is worse."
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[NAY] 10/08/2008: Larry from Dumaguete, Philippines writes: "I had chronic athletes foot for years, i could never get rid of it. Over the counter creams such as lamisil controlled the problem but did not get rid of it. I then tried not using the creams and only apple cider vinegar instead. The result was disaster, rampant athletes foot, so this is a definite NAY, but amazingly I did find something that finally worked after many years! And it involves Cayenne pepper and salt, see my additional comment below under Cayenne."
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